Michigan Asparagus Growers Preparing for Slightly Delayed Harvest

Photo: Michigan Farm Bureau

Some farmers are getting ready to plant and some are getting ready to harvest.

In the last week, Michigan has experienced all of the seasons. Jamie Clover-Adams, executive director of Michigan Asparagus, says it’s fared the snow, rain, and heat well.

“My growers are telling me the crop’s in pretty good shape,” she says. “Emergence has happened in some parts of Southwest Michigan where it normally is a couple weeks ahead of our major growing area in Oceana County. A lot of guys told me it’s going to depend on the number of heat units we get.”

She says if the weather holds, harvest in southern Michigan could come as soon as next week. Oceana County, the biggest area of production, won’t be until mid-May. Asparagus development is a little behind last year, but it’s right on track with season averages.

“Many of the growers I’ve talked to always keep very good records,” says Clover-Adams. “May 10 seems to be the average, so we’re going to be a little bit later than the average, but not as much as you’d think.”

Asparagus needs to be harvested by hand, which takes a lot of labor. Clover-Adams says those workers are already making their way to Michigan.

“They’re being flexible, they’re being strategic, and they’re positioning their labor so it’s there when they need it,” she says. “The downside to that is that comes with a cost—that has to be figured in as well, but I have not heard from any grower they aren’t not going to be able to get labor.”

The asparagus industry has also been dealing with high fertilizer prices and crop protectant shortages. To hear the full conversation, check out the April 26, 2022 edition of the Michigan Ag Today Podcast in the player below.

Recommended Posts

Loading...